Method and apparatus for creating sequenced motion using electroluminescence

Abstract

An apparatus includes a top plate [ 245 ] of a first transparent conductive material, a middle plate [ 225 ] of a second transparent conductive material, and a bottom plate [ 205 ] of conductive material. At least one upper dielectric layer [ 240 ] is disposed between the top plate [ 245 ] and the middle plate [ 225 ], and at least one lower dielectric layer [ 215 ] disposed between the bottom plate [ 205 ] and the middle plate [ 225 ]. A first electroluminescent layer [ 235 ] is disposed between the top plate [ 245 ] and the middle plate [ 225 ]. The first electroluminescent layer [ 235 ] has a first predetermined pattern. A second electroluminescent layer [ 215 ] is disposed between the middle plate [ 225 ] and the bottom plate [ 205 ]. The second electroluminescent layer [ 215 ] has a second predetermined pattern. The first electroluminescent layer [ 235 ] and the second electroluminescent layer [ 215 ] are powered by at least one alternating current (AC) power source to selectively display a simulated motion.

1 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a top plate of a first transparent conductive material;    a middle plate of a second transparent conductive material;    a bottom plate of conductive material;    at least one upper dielectric layer disposed between the top plate and the middle plate;    at least one lower dielectric layer disposed between the bottom plate and the middle plate;    a first electroluminescent layer disposed between the top plate and the middle plate, the first electroluminescent layer having a first predetermined pattern;    a second electroluminescent layer disposed between the middle plate and the bottom plate, the second electroluminescent layer having a second predetermined pattern; and    wherein the first electroluminescent layer and the second electroluminescent layer are powered by at least one alternating current (AC) power source to selectively display a simulated motion.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the top plate and the middle plate is comprised of at least one of an indium tin oxide and a electron-conducting ink.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one AC power source has a frequency that is variable to cause at least one of the first electroluminescent layer and the second electroluminescent layer to emit a range of different brightness levels.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a graphics arts layer disposed on the top plate, wherein at least a portion of the graphic arts layer is translucent.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the graphics arts layer is comprised of a non-functional ink.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one AC power source comprises a first AC power source to provide power to the top plate and a second AC power source to provide power to the bottom plate.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the middle plate is in communication with a ground reference.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one AC power source comprises a single AC power source to provide power to the top plate and the bottom plate.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a third electroluminescent layer powered by the at least one AC power source.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the first electroluminescent layer overlaps the second electroluminescent layer.  
     
     
         11 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a top plate of a first transparent conductive material;    a middle plate of a second transparent conductive material;    a bottom plate of conductive material;    at least one upper dielectric layer disposed between the top plate and the middle plate;    at least one lower dielectric layer disposed between the bottom plate and the middle plate;    a first electroluminescent layer disposed between the top plate and the middle plate, the first electroluminescent layer having a first predetermined pattern;    a second electroluminescent layer disposed between the middle plate and the bottom plate, the second electroluminescent layer having a second predetermined pattern;    wherein at least a portion of the first electroluminescent layer has no overlap with the second electroluminescent layer.    
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the first electroluminescent layer and the second electroluminescent layer are powered by at least one alternating current (AC) power source to selectively display a simulated motion.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one AC power source has a frequency that is variable to cause at least one of the first electroluminescent layer and the second electroluminescent layer to emit a range of different brightness levels.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising a graphics arts layer disposed on the top plate, wherein at least a portion of the graphic arts layer is translucent.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one AC power source comprises a first AC power source to provide power to the top plate and a second AC power source to provide power to the bottom plate.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the simulated motion comprises 3-Dimensional motion.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the first electroluminescent layer and the second electroluminescent layer at least partially overlap.  
     
     
         18 . A method, comprising: 
 providing first alternating current (AC) power to a first electroluminescent layer of an apparatus, the first electroluminescent layer having a first predetermined pattern;    providing second AC power to a second electroluminescent layer of an apparatus, the second electroluminescent layer having a second predetermined pattern;    wherein the first electroluminescent layer and the second electroluminescent layer are selectively powered to display a simulated motion.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the simulated motion comprises 3-Dimensional motion.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising displaying a graphics arts layer above the first electroluminescent layer and the second electroluminescent layer, wherein at least a portion of the graphic arts layer is translucent.